Is Botswana Safe for Travel? Essential Travel Advice for Safaris in Botswana
A journey to Africa is not complete without embarking on a safari expedition, and Botswana offers one of the continent’s most exciting and picturesque safari experiences. However, every traveller should know the necessary precautions to ensure a flawless adventure.
Is Botswana safe to visit?
Brief overview of safety and security in Botswana
Botswana is generally safe for travellers, with a reputation as one of the safest countries in Africa. However, this does not mean safety and security should be taken lightly. Exercise standard precautions like you would in any travel destination.
Is it safe for children to travel to Botswana?
Yes, it is safe for children to travel to Botswana. With the appropriate safety tips, the experience can be an incredible educational journey for young explorers. Remember that many of the accommodations on safari in Botswana are unfenced, so wild animals can and do roam freely – often actually through camps and campsites. Please bear this in mind, take extra care to be aware of wildlife, and always keep children close to you.
About safety tips for travellers in Botswana
Safety tips include being informed about local laws, staying alert, especially in Gaborone, and using bottled water instead of tap water for drinks.
The Perception of Botswana Travel Advisories
Botswana travel advisories are based on actual occurrences and provide concrete travel advice for Botswana for your security.
How to handle law in Botswana
Just like any country, it is essential to respect Botswana’s laws. Make sure you are informed to avoid legal problems during your stay.
Tips on Botswana Safari
What to know about Botswana Safari
Botswana Safari is an outstanding journey into one of the richest wildlife destinations, including the Chobe and Okavango deltas. Keep an insect repellent handy to tackle the mosquitoes and stay safe during safari.
Travel advice for safaris in Botswana
Depending on your travel history, a safari in Botswana requires certain precautions, such as a yellow fever vaccination. A good travel insurance policy is also highly recommended.
Health and Vaccination for Travellers
What vaccinations do you need for Botswana?
Before travelling to Botswana, ensure you are current on routine vaccines such as Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.
Protecting yourself against Malaria in Botswana
Botswana is a malaria-endemic country. Make sure to use precautions like mosquito nets and insect repellent.
Travel Documentation for Botswana
Does a traveller need a passport to enter Botswana?
Yes, a valid passport is required to enter Botswana. Always keep it safe during travel and transit.
How to obtain a visa for Botswana
Travel to remote areas of Botswana may require additional travel documents. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your destination.
Things to Avoid in Botswana?
Tourists should be aware of local laws in Botswana.
Maintaining respect for local laws and customs is vital for every traveller.
Safety and security in Gaborone
While Gaborone is the bustling capital that is generally safe, exercise caution while visiting remote areas or travelling after dark.
Health and Vaccination for Travellers
What vaccinations do you need for Botswana? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Botswana:
- Routine Vaccinations: Before every trip, ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, the polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travellers, including those with “standard” itineraries and those staying with friends or relatives.
- Typhoid: Recommended for travellers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for travellers who might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
- Rabies: This vaccine is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving). People working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers) should also get a rabies vaccine.
- Yellow Fever: Botswana does not have a yellow fever vaccination entry requirement, but the vaccine is recommended for travellers over nine months of age going to areas with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission.
- Malaria: Depending upon your travel plans, you may also need to protect yourself against malaria.
Please consult your doctor or visit a travel health clinic 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to determine the recommended vaccines, medications, and precautions. The need for these vaccines can be influenced by the individual’s age, health and previous immunisations. Travellers’ diarrhoea medicine is also commonly recommended for travel in this area.Remember that no vaccines can guarantee 100% protection, so follow additional safety measures like using mosquito repellents, practising safe eating and drinking habits, avoiding animal contact and unnecessary exposure to crowds or unhygienic conditions.
Protecting yourself against Malaria in Botswana
- Vaccination: Before travelling to Botswana, it is recommended that you get a malaria vaccine. Several vaccinations are available, so talk to your doctor to determine which suits you.
- Medication: Take preventive medicines, known as antimalarial drugs, to reduce the risk of getting malaria. Consult a doctor for an appropriate prescription.
- Avoid Mosquito Bites: Mosquito bites are the primary vector of malaria. Therefore, avoid mosquito bites as much as possible, particularly between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are more active. Use insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Use Insecticide-Treated Nets: Ensure you sleep under a mosquito net, preferably one treated with insecticide. This will significantly reduce the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
- Wear Protective Clothing: To minimize skin exposure to mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and socks. Clothing can also be treated with permethrin, an insecticide, for additional protection.
- Stay in Air-Conditioned or Well-Screened Rooms: The risk of mosquito bites can be reduced by staying in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with window and door screens.
- Avoid Areas with High Mosquito Populations: Stay away from stagnant bodies of water and other areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to ensure you aren’t carrying the disease without knowing it. Early detection will make treatment more effective.
These preventive measures do not eliminate the risk of malaria but significantly reduce the chances of infection.
Is Botswana at risk of Yellow Fever?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Yellow Fever is not a risk in Botswana. Therefore, a yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for travellers to this country. However, checking current travel advisories before any international travel is always necessary.
The importance of travel insurance in Botswana
Travel insurance is essential when visiting Botswana for several reasons:
- Medical Emergencies: This is the most important reason. Travel insurance can cover unexpected medical costs. Even if you’re in good health, accidents can happen, and medical costs in foreign countries can be expensive.
- Evacuation and Repatriation: In the unfortunate event of a severe medical situation or disaster, travel insurance could cover the cost of evacuating to the nearest adequate medical facility or even returning home.
- Trip Cancellation, Delays, or Interruption: If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason or if your trip is delayed or interrupted due to unexpected circumstances like a flight cancellation or bad weather, your travel insurance can reimburse you for the pre-paid, non-refundable portions of your trip.
- Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings: This can include coverage for essential travel documents like passports, luggage and personal belongings. This is particularly important in countries where theft may be prevalent.
- Legal Liability: Travel insurance can offer some financial protection if you are responsible for injuring another person or damaging their property.
- Adventure and Sports Activities: Botswana is famous for its adventure tourism, including safari trips. These activities carry inherent risks, and travel insurance can cover accidents during these activities.
Like any other country, Botswana presents its unique risks, and having travel insurance can provide a safety net. It is always essential to understand your policy’s specific coverages and exclusions.
About medical facilities in Botswana
Botswana has a mixed health system that includes public and private health services. The public sector is strongly emphasised, funded by the central government and provided free of charge at the point of delivery.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is responsible for providing health services, running hospitals nationwide, and several specialist health institutions. The health system is structured at primary, secondary, and tertiary care. These include clinics, health posts, and mobile stops, providing essential health services; district and primary hospitals; and referral hospitals.
However, while Botswana has made strides in improving its healthcare system, there are still challenges, such as a shortage of health professionals, limited resources, and access to healthcare, particularly in remote areas. The country also bears a high burden of HIV/AIDS, with around one in five adults living with the disease.
On a positive note, Botswana has been commended for its robust HIV/AIDS national response, providing free antiretroviral therapy and implementing successful prevention programs.
Additionally, few private medical facilities are available, mainly located in the larger towns and cities, such as Gaborone and Francistown, which offer a higher standard of care. However, these facilities can be pretty costly.
Patients might need to be evacuated to South Africa for more complex treatments or medical emergencies. Hence, comprehensive health insurance is recommended for visitors.
In recent years, the government has been investing in improving the healthcare system, including developing infrastructure, increasing the health workforce, and strengthening health service delivery.
Travel Documentation for Botswana
Does a traveller need a passport to enter Botswana?
Yes, a traveller needs a passport to enter Botswana. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the entry date.
How to obtain a visa for Botswana
Obtaining a visa for Botswana is a relatively straightforward process. However, the specifics will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of time you plan to stay.
Here are the general steps you may need to follow:
- Check if you need a visa: Most tourists from commonwealth countries, European Union countries, and the United States don’t need a visa to enter Botswana for a stay of up to 90 days. You can check if you require a visa from the Botswana government’s official website.
- Gather Required Documents: If you require a visa, you must prepare several documents. These commonly include a completed visa application form, a valid passport, proof of onward travel (return or onward travel ticket), proof of accommodation in Botswana, a letter of support (if applicable), financial proof indicating you can support your stay, and sometimes a medical report and chest X-ray if you intend to stay for over six months.
- Apply: Most applicants need to submit their completed application forms and support documents in person to their nearest Botswana embassy or consulate. Some countries may also offer an online application system.
- Pay the fee: A non-refundable visa application fee will need to be paid when you submit your application.
- Wait for processing: Processing times for visa applications can vary, but it usually takes at least seven working days. Once the visa is approved, you can pick up your passport with the visa from the embassy or consulate.
Remember: Before making travel plans, it’s essential to check the most recent visa requirements and procedures with your nearest Botswana embassy or consulate or through the official government website.
Travel documents for children travelling to Botswana
Regardless of the country you’re travelling from, there are several documents you will need to ensure your child can travel to Botswana:
- Passport: All travellers must have their own passport regardless of age. It must be valid for at least six months before they expect to leave Botswana.
- Visa: A visa may be required depending on the child’s nationality. Check with the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country for specific details.
- Birth Certificate: You must bring a certified copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate. This is required explicitly if one or both of the child’s parents are not travelling with them.
- Parental Consent Affidavit: If the child travels alone or with only one parent, a notarised affidavit from the non-travelling parent(s) granting permission to travel may be demanded.
- Court Order: If you’re a single parent with full custody of your child, you may be asked for a court order to prove it.
- Death Certificate: If one or both of the child’s parents are deceased, you will need to provide a death certificate.
Note: Policies can change and vary from country to country, so please contact your nearest Botswana Embassy or Consulate before travel to get the precise details.
Keeping your travel documents safe in Botswana
- Keep Electronic Copies: Before travelling, make copies of all your essential documents such as passport, visa, driver’s license, health insurance card, and other essential documents, and store them safely online, either on a secure cloud service or by emailing them to yourself.
- Use a Travel Wallet: A travel wallet can help you keep all your essential documents in one place. Keeping your passport, credit cards, and money together in a wallet you can easily carry is always a good idea.
- Use Hotel Safes: If your lodging offers a safe or secure box, use it. Do not leave your travel documents unattended in your hotel room.
- Don’t Display Publicly: Try to avoid displaying your important documents in public. There’s always a risk of pickpocketing in crowded places.
- Limit What You Carry: When heading out for the day, only take the essential travel documents and leave others locked in your hotel.
- Be Wary of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your environment and make sure no one is snooping when you access your travel documents.
- Use Waterproof Protectants: Keep your documents in a waterproof sleeve or bag, especially if you’re planning on doing any water-related activities.
- Report Loss Immediately: In case you lose your passport or other travel documents, immediately notify your country’s embassy or consulate in Botswana. The sooner you report the loss, the quicker they can help you get a replacement.
- Keep Important Numbers: Write down significant contact numbers, such as your country’s embassy or consulate in Botswana, and keep them handy in case of any issues.
- Update Your Travel Insurance: Before you leave for your trip, ensure that your travel insurance covers the loss or theft of documents.
Things to Avoid in Botswana?
How safe is it to drink tap water in Botswana?
In most major towns in Botswana, the tap water is generally safe to drink, as it is treated. However, water quality can vary in rural areas. Therefore, it is advisable for visitors, especially those with sensitive stomachs, to drink bottled water or use a water purification method as a precautionary measure. Rural areas may have safe borehole water, but it tastes different. Always check with local authorities or your accommodation provider if you need clarification.
Is it safe to drive in Botswana: tips and advice
Yes, it is generally safe to drive in Botswana. However, there are a few things you need to remember and consider to ensure your safety on the road:
- Road Conditions: Road conditions in Botswana can vary. While main roads and highways are typically well-maintained, some rural and side roads can be poor. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is best if you plan to do a lot of off-road travelling.
- Animals: Be on the lookout for wild animals crossing the road, especially when driving around nature reserves. This is particularly crucial at dawn and dusk when animals are more active.
- Night Driving: Night driving is risky in Botswana due to the lack of lighting, vehicles without lights, stray animals, and pedestrians on the highway. If possible, avoid driving at night.
- Speed Limits: Adhere to the speed limits, which are generally 120km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas. Traffic fines can be steep.
- Safety Essentials: Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure all passengers do, too. Talking on your phone while driving is illegal unless you use a hands-free system.
- Avoid Remote Roads: If possible, avoid driving on remote roads alone, especially at night.
- Drive on the Left: Botswana follows left-hand driving, so if you’re from a right-hand driving country, this may take some getting used to.
- Have Essential Paperwork: Always have your Driver’s license and car insurance papers at hand. Also, remember to carry your passport or ID while driving.
- Fuel Up: Fueling stations can be far apart, so always ensure that you have enough fuel before setting off on a long journey.
- Carry Water: Always take a good supply of drinking water with you on long trips, along with a few snacks, since eateries might be far apart.
Remember to check travel advisories from your country’s embassy or consulate. They can provide localised, timely information about safety, possible threats, and precautions to be observed.
Natural disasters in Botswana
Botswana is relatively safe from natural disasters compared to other African countries. It is mainly free of tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides that affect other parts of Africa.
However, it occasionally experiences several types of natural disasters, such as:
- Droughts: Drought is the most common natural disaster in Botswana. This Southern African country is semi-arid due to short rain seasons that offer little moisture. As a consequence, droughts are recurrent and have a severe impact on agricultural livelihoods, often leading to food shortages.
- Bushfires: Bushfires, often resulting from human activities, sometimes hit Botswana, especially in remote areas.
- Floods: While rare, Botswana does experience flooding, especially in the country’s north. Heavy rains often overflow the Okavango Delta, leading to localised flooding.
- Dust storms: Botswana occasionally experiences dust storms, especially in drought-prone areas.
- Heatwaves: Rising global temperatures have also led to frequent and intense heatwaves, causing dehydration and associated health problems.
It is important to note that the risk of natural disasters in Botswana may increase due to climate change, which may cause more frequent and intense droughts, heat waves, and potential flooding.
Tourists should be aware of local laws in Botswana.
While Botswana is generally a safe and law-abiding country, tourists should always be informed about local laws and customs as a sign of respect and to avoid any misconceptions or unintentional offences.
- Homosexuality: Same-sex relationships were a criminal offence in Botswana until recently. However, as of 2019, the high court in Botswana ruled that criminalising homosexuality is unconstitutional, but social acceptance remains low.
- Drug possession: The use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, and convicted offenders can expect harsh penalties.
- Wildlife and outdoor activities: Hunting is banned in Botswana to protect endangered wildlife. Tourists should also be mindful of fishing, camping, and driving rules in national parks.
- Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, and presidential residences.
- Immigration: Tourists must adhere to their visa limitations and be sure to enter and exit the country according to the dates provided.
- Respect local customs: In Botswana, it is customary to greet elders or superiors with your right hand while touching your right elbow with your left hand.
It is important to note that most travellers to Botswana find their visit peaceful with no legal issues. This is a partial list, and travellers should seek legal advice or the counsel of their embassy if needed.
Safety and security in Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, is generally considered safe for locals and visitors. However, like any other metropolitan city, crime does occur. The most common types of crime reported are petty theft and burglary. Violent crime is relatively rare, but it can occasionally happen.
It’s always a good practice for visitors to take standard safety precautions :
– Not displaying wealth, like wearing expensive jewellery or watches.
– Not walking alone in isolated areas, at night or in places with few people.
– Keeping an eye on personal belongings at all times.
– Avoiding informal and illegal taxi drivers.
– Keeping doors locked and windows up when driving.
Regarding health safety, the water in Gaborone is safe to drink, and hygiene standards in places that cater to tourists are generally high. Gaborone has a reasonably good healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals.
Political stability in Botswana is good, and protests and demonstrations are not common, but should they occur, it’s best to steer clear.
Gaborone and Botswana have a well-deserved reputation as some of the safest places to visit in Africa. But, as with any other destination, you should take the usual precautions to protect your safety and belongings.
FAQ
Is it safe to travel around Botswana?
Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travellers. However, exercising standard precautions when visiting any foreign country is always recommended, especially at night.
What’s the latest travel advice to visit Botswana?
The Department of State suggests that travellers have a return ticket and a passport with at least six months’ validity. It’s also recommended that they consult with a travel health professional before travelling to ensure they have up-to-date information on any health precautions they need to take.
Can you drink the tap water in Botswana? Is the food and water safe to consume?
Tap water in Botswana is generally not safe to drink. Always opt for bottled water to avoid any risk of disease. Be cautious about street food, as contaminated food and water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. When in doubt, always ask before consuming.
What is required to enter Botswana? Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
Yes, Botswana is a country at risk of yellow fever. Thus, you must present a vaccination certificate if you’re travelling from a country where yellow fever is endemic. Seek medical advice if you’re unsure.
What is the best way to plan your trip to Botswana?
It’s recommended to book well in advance with an established tour operator who can provide Botswana travel advice. They can organise accommodations, excursions, and transportation for you, easing travel around the country.
Are LGBT+ rights legal in Botswana?
Yes, homosexuality is legal in Botswana, but public displays of affection should be avoided as they can offend the local people of Botswana, regardless of sexual orientation.
What is the attitude towards photography in Botswana? Can tourists take pictures freely?
Botswana is one of the most picturesque countries, but it’s essential to always ask permission before photographing people or private property. Respect for the local culture is crucial when travelling.
Are rhinoceros horn products legal in Botswana?
No, according to the laws of the Republic of Botswana, possession of rhinoceros horn products is considered a severe offence and is, thus, illegal.
Who can provide the latest travel advice regarding safety in Botswana?
The Department of State and the local tour operator often have the latest travel advice for anyone planning to travel to this country. Their websites and customer service departments are usually good sources of timely information.
What are the general cultural etiquette rules I should follow while I’m in Botswana?
Botswana’s people are generally friendly and polite. They expect a respectful and considerate approach, particularly towards older people. While physical contact is minimal, it’s important to greet people with a smile and respect their customs and traditions.